The Best Carpeting for Stairs

Wool

• Wool carpeting has many advantages over synthetics. It is naturally stain and water resistant. It will last up to 20 years with proper care. Carpeting made from wool is usually short and dense, which makes it easy to vacuum. Its substantial density also means that the backing shouldn't show through where it's stretched around stair noses. The short fibers make for a carpet safe for walking, and as there are no long fibers to cause a tripping hazard, it's one of the best stairway materials in homes with elderly or infirm residents. Wool carpeting is fire resistant -- it does not emit toxic fumes when it burns. A disadvantage to wool is that it requires use of a wool-safe cleaning product, which means expensive professional cleaning.

Olefin

• Olefin is a durable, stain-resistant synthetic fiber. Although you have a choice of many carpet lengths, stairs, especially in high-traffic areas are best suited to short-looped carpet. Berber carpets are also made of olefin. Both of these styles are good choices for stairways. Olefin carpet comes in many colors and patterns; darker colors help to hide dirt. Commercial carpeting is usually made from olefin. Olefin is not the ideal choice for indoor entry stairs, such as those found in split-level homes. It is stain resistant, but as a synthetic fiber, it bonds to petroleum-based stains. Oil, grease and asphalt stains will not come out of an olefin carpet, and ice-melting products will cause olefin carpeting to yellow.

Polyester

• Properly twisted and tufted polyester carpeting is stain resistant, durable and one the best regarding affordability. Such flooring material comes in many colors and fiber lengths. Carpeting made from polyester is easy to clean and care for. The optimal type of polyester carpeting for stairs is one with a short fiber. Polyester carpets have drawbacks. Acid-based liquids like coffee, tea and soda readily stain polyester carpeting. In a fire, polyester will emit toxic fumes that can prevent your safe escape.

Other Natural Fibers

• Cotton, jute, grass and silk are some of the best green or eco-friendly carpeting options that can be used on stairs. Unlike wool, these fibers are less durable and stain easily. Grass, silk and jute cannot be exposed to water or liquids. Water will stain silk and jute. It is difficult to clean these natural fibers. This makes them suitable for low traffic or areas that are used very infrequently. Cotton, jute, grass and silk carpets are not a good choice for entryway stairs.